Quick Guide to Sleep Apnea Dental Treatment

by | Feb 10, 2020 | Dentist

Sleep apnea is a common problem among both men and women, but it can be treated with ease. Sleep apnea occurs when there are one or more pauses in breathing or shallow breaths that occur regularly while you sleep. This can be dangerous if left untreated, which is why it’s best to have been diagnosed as soon as possible for treatment. One of the most popular treatments is dental. Dental treatments can help to open up your airways and allow you to breathe normally throughout the night.

If you have sleep apnea or suspect you may have sleep apnea, you’ll want to consult with a dentist or doctor for a diagnosis and treatment. Dental treatment in Trumbull CT is common because dental appliances are an inexpensive and effective way to treat apnea. To learn more, here is a quick guide to sleep apnea dental treatment.

What Is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder where a person stops breathing periodically throughout the night due to airway obstructions caused by the tongue or jaw in most cases. Usually breathing stops for 5 to 10 seconds followed by snorting and choking until normal breathing resumes.

Side Effects

There are many side effects you may experience due to sleep apnea. Here are a few of the most serious, which is why it’s important to seek both diagnosis and treatment from a trusted care dental clinic like Commerce Park Cosmetic Dentistry:

  • High blood pressure

  • Heart arrhythmias

  • Heart disease

  • Heart attack

  • Stroke

  • Increased risk of diabetes

  • Death

How Dental Appliances Help

There are two main types of sleep apnea dental treatment to combat sleep apnea, including mandibular advancement devices (MADs) and tongue retaining mouthpieces. MADs push the jaw and tongue slightly forward which help to prevent throat muscles from collapsing back and preventing airflow, allowing for normal breathing. Tongue retaining pieces are similar but have a suction component to keep the tongue forward alone.

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